Jesus revealed to St. Faustina a prophecy about the special role of Poland in salvation history: "I bear a special love for Poland, and if she will be obedient to My will, I shall exalt her in might and holiness. From her will come forth the spark that will prepare the world for My final coming." (Diary 1732). Many Catholics believe this prophecy was fulfilled, at least in part, through the election of Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyła as Pope John Paul II in 1978, who established the Feast of Divine Mercy for the universal Church and canonized St. Faustina herself. The devotion to Divine Mercy that originated in Poland has since spread to every corner of the world, fulfilling the prophecy of a "spark" emanating from Poland.